Pedestrian Safety

Walking is good for your health and it's good for the environment too. But before you head out, there are important safety tips to remember.

What's the problem?

​Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable users of the road.
​Nationwide, 4,735 pedestrians were killed in traffic deaths in 2013 (about one every two hours) and more than 156,000 (about 430 per day) were treated for traffic-related injuries. ​With numbers like these, it's critical to understand the risks and learn how to stay safe.
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Who's at risk?

​• Male pedestrians are more likely to die or be injured in a motor vehicle crash than females.
​• Teens and young adults (15-29 years) are more likely to be treated for injuries.​
• In 2013, 34% of all pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were legally drunk.
​​As pedestrians, children are at even greater risk of injury or death from traffic crashes due to their small size, inability to judge distances and speeds, and lack of experience with traffic rules.
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Take Steps for Safety

​• Whenever possible, cross the street at a designated crosswalk or intersection.
​• Increase your visibility at night by carrying a flashlight and wearing retro-reflective clothing.
​• It's safest to walk on a sidewalk, but if one is not available, walk on the shoulder and face traffic.
​• Avoid distractions such as electronic devices that take your attention off the road.